The Details
Learners will be introduced to the various modern methods of construction which are continually being developed, improved and adapted in terms of sustainability and efficiency.
Modern methods of construction (MMC) or ‘smart construction’ is a fast way of delivering new buildings, by maximising the efficiency of material and human resources. The session will focus on off-site construction techniques, such as mass production and factory assembly, which can be used to create whole homes using factory-built modules.
Students will be shown that this approach provides benefits by speeding up delivery, reducing labour costs, eliminating unnecessary waste and improving quality. Discussions will concentrate on whether or not MMC is actually a reflection of innovation in construction or merely a resource reducing process.
The session will touch on the “deconstructability” of buildings, i.e. construction in reverse, which requires taking buildings apart piece by piece, avoiding damage by extracting carefully what is required.
Learning objectives
The module will introduce and define key terms such as:
- Modern methods of construction (MMC)
- Off-site construction
- Innovation in construction
- Deconstructability of buildings
This session is led by Ian Brown, Senior Lecturer, School of Architecture, Construction and Environment.
About Ian
Construction lecturer Ian Brown is a sustainable building expert and project manager with over 25 years of experience in the construction industry. With a keen eye on the future, his interests include straw bale construction, building from waste material, and drawing inspiration from the shapes and forms of nature.
He is currently a Senior Lecturer within the construction portfolio subjects for the School of Architecture, Construction and Environment at University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD). Ian is also an active supporter of Straw Building UK (formerly Straw Bale Building UK) with particular interest in teaching students that nature can inform future design and that eco building projects are a sustainable alternative to traditional methods of construction.
English (UK) 
Cymraeg 